Decorative column

ABSTRACT

A decorative column comprises a plurality of interlocking panels. Each panel comprises a main body having an interior face, an exterior face, a first side edge and a second side edge. The first side edge comprises a first notch. An exterior flange terminates in a first slanted outer edge surface oriented at a first acute angle with respect to the exterior face. The second side edge terminates in a second slanted outer edge surface and that is oriented at a second acute angle with respect to the exterior face. The second slanted outer edge surface leads to a transverse flange that projects towards the interior face of the main body. A second notch is adjacent the transverse flange. The transverse flange of one interlocking panel engages the first notch of another interlocking panel. The interior flange of one interlocking panel engages the second notch of another interlocking panel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to decorative columns, and more particularly relates to decorative columns made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For centuries, column structures have been constructed from wood and/or stone since each is a readily available and workable material. More recently, column structures made from other materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The use of materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) permits the addressing of various problems with prior art column structures, such as versatility, cost-effectiveness, preventing uplift of the column structure during a strong wind, physical and aesthetic degradation due to weather, rotting, acceptable manufacturing costs, acceptable maintenance costs, ready manufacturability, warpage and dimensional changes caused by moisture absorption, undesirably high weight, cost effectiveness, aesthetic appeal, aesthetic versatility, among other features.

One known relevant prior art column assembly can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,275,349 issued Oct. 2, 2007, to Auman, and entitled Split Column Reassembly System. This split column reassembly system allows a split column, capitol or base to return to its intended position during its installation around a load bearing structural device. It is done through forming the pieces of the seams in order that they fit back together accurately after separation and during installation. The system comprises at least a first structural portion and a second structural portion that together define an interface. First and second keyed surfaces permit intermeshing the first structural portion with the second structural portion in a unique arrangement such that the first and second structural portions are retained in a desired orientation with respect to one another. A separator sheet is configured to be temporarily interposed between the first and second structural portions during intermeshing of the first structural portion with the second structural portion.

Another known relevant prior art column assembly can be found in United States Published Patent Application No. 2001/0022056 published Sep. 20, 2001, to Gifford, and entitled Decorative Post Cover. This decorative post covering has two L-shaped members that are sized and shaped to fit around a post. The decorative post cover includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the first and second members together and around the post. The attachment mechanism is formed integral to the L-shaped members. The attachment mechanism includes a lip end and a receiving end on each of the first and second members. The lip end of the first member is connected to the receiving end of the second member and the lip end of the second member is connected to the receiving end of the first member. The first and second members are identical and therefore interchangeable. The first and second members have longitudinal scalloped grooves molded therein to increase the rigidity of members and give the appearance of a pillar or column.

Another known relevant prior art column assembly can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,621,080 issues Nov. 24, 2009, to Stanfield, and entitled Protective Sleeve Assembly For A Post. In this assembly, a post has a rectangular cross-sectional shape and is mounted on one end of the post is a protective sleeve. The sleeve provides a cylindrical sidewall within which one end of the post is engaged. A bottom cap closes the end of the sidewall sealing the end of the post. A rectangular elastomeric seal is engaged with the sidewall peripheral to the post. A pair of L-shaped moldings are mounted exterior to the elastomeric seal providing engagement within a groove of the elastomeric seal and exerting a sealing force against the elastomeric seal and the post.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a column structure.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a column structure that is versatile.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a column structure that is cost-effective.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a column structure that prevents uplift of the column structure during a strong wind.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a column structure that is not subject to physical and aesthetic degradation due to weather.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a column structure that is not subject to rotting.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a column structure that has acceptable manufacturing costs.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a column structure that has acceptable maintenance costs.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a column structure that is readily manufacturable.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a column structure wherein warpage and dimensional changes caused by moisture absorption generally do not occur.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a column structure that is of the relatively light weight.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a column structure that is cost effective.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a column structure that is aesthetically appealing.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a column structure that is aesthetically versatile.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel decorative column for use in surrounding a vertical structural column. The decorative column comprises a plurality of interlocking panels, with each of the panels comprises a main body having an interior face, an exterior face, a first side edge and a second side edge. The first side edge comprises a first notch extending along the length of the first side edge and defined by an exterior flange and an interior flange. The exterior flange terminates in a first slanted outer edge surface that is oriented at a first acute angle with respect to the exterior face of the main body. The second side edge terminates in a second slanted outer edge surface extending along the length and that is oriented at a second acute angle with respect to the exterior face of the main body, and with the second slanted outer edge surface leading to a transverse flange extending along the length of the second side edge and projecting towards the interior face of the main body, with a second notch disposed adjacent the transverse flange extending along the length of the main body. The first acute angle and the second acute angle sum to ninety degrees (90°). The transverse flange of one interlocking panel engages the first notch of another interlocking panel. The interior flange of one interlocking panel engages the second notch of another interlocking panel.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel squaring apparatus for use in installing a decorative column surrounding a vertical structural column. The squaring apparatus comprises a first squaring member and a second squaring member. Each squaring member comprises a first leg having a first outer abutment surface and a first inner abutment surface, and a second leg having a second outer abutment surface and a second inner abutment surface. The first outer abutment surface and the second outer abutment surface are oriented at ninety degrees (90°) to each other. The first inner abutment surface and the second inner abutment surface are oriented at ninety degrees (90°) to each other. The first outer abutment surface and the second outer abutment surface are decoratively formed.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel co-operating pair of panels for forming a decorative column for use in surrounding a vertical structural column. The co-operating pair of panels comprise a first panel and a second panel, wherein each of the panels comprises a main body having an interior face, an exterior face, a free side edge and a joined side edge. The joined side edge of the first panel is oriented at a first acute angle with respect to the exterior face of the main body, and the joined side edge of the second panel is oriented at a second acute angle with respect to the exterior face of the main body. The joined side edge of the first panel has a notch therein and the joined side edge of the second panel has a co-operating protrusion therein. In use, when the first panel and a second panel are folded together in an installed in-use configuration, the protrusion is received in the notch to thereby preclude movement of the two vertical panel members one with respect to the other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the decorative column according to the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently known embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first illustrated embodiment the column structure according to the present invention, wherein the column structure has four vertical panel members;

FIG. 2 is a bottom end view of the first illustrated embodiment column structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged bottom end view of a corner portion of the first illustrated embodiment column structure as shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a bottom end view of the first illustrated embodiment column structure of FIG. 1, but in a folded configuration;

FIG. 5 is an end view of a second illustrated embodiment the column structure according to the present invention, wherein the column structure has two double vertical panel members;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the second illustrated embodiment column structure similar to FIG. 5, but showing the one of the two double vertical panel members folded into a shipping configuration;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged bottom end view of a corner portion of one of the two double vertical panel members of the second illustrated embodiment column structure of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged top plan view of the bottom end portion of one of the two double vertical panel members of the second illustrated embodiment column structure of FIG. 5, within adhesive being applied;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a squaring “L” used to it keep the column structure square according to the present invention during installation, in place at the bottom of the column structure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the squaring “L” as shown in FIG. 9 used exteriorly with respect to the decorative column panels; and,

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the squaring “L” as shown in FIG. 9 used interiorly with respect to the decorative column panels.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND COMPONENTS

-   100 decorative column -   102 central loadbearing post -   110 first vertical panel member -   120 second vertical panel member -   130 third vertical panel member -   140 fourth vertical panel member -   150 main body -   152 interior face -   154 exterior face -   156 first side edge -   158 second side edge -   160 first notch -   162 exterior flange -   163 first slanted outer edge surface -   164 interior flange -   165 second slanted outer edge surface -   166 transverse flange -   168 second notch -   200 column structure -   210 first vertical panel member -   211 main body -   212 interior face -   213 exterior face -   214 free side edge -   215 joined side edge -   215 n “V”-shaped notch -   215 p co-operating “V”-shaped protrusion -   220 second vertical panel member -   221 main body -   222 interior face -   223 exterior face -   224 free side edge -   225 joined side edge -   230 third vertical panel member -   240 fourth vertical panel member -   252 p “V”-shaped protrusion -   300 squaring apparatus -   301 first squaring member -   302 second squaring member -   304 co-operating apertures -   306 receiving surface -   310 first leg -   312 first outer abutment surface -   314 first inner abutment surface -   320 second leg -   322 second outer abutment surface -   324 second inner abutment surface -   330 cylindrical groove -   V12 folding vertex type joint -   V34 folding vertex type joint

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 11 of the drawings, it will be noted that FIGS. 1 through 4 show a first illustrated embodiment of the decorative column 100 according to the present invention, FIGS. 5 through 8 show a second illustrated embodiment of the decorative column 200 according to the present invention, and FIGS. 9 through 11 show a third illustrated embodiment of the decorative column 300 according to the present invention.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 1 through 4, which show a first illustrated embodiment of the decorative column 100 according to the present invention. The first illustrated embodiment of the present invention, namely the decorative column 100, comprises a first vertical panel member 110, a second vertical panel member 120, a third vertical panel member 130 and a fourth vertical panel member 140. Each of the first vertical panel member 110, the second vertical panel member 120, the third vertical panel member 130 and the fourth vertical panel member 140 are separate one from the other, and are interlocking each with the others.

FIG. 1 shows two variations of the decorative column 100. As can be readily seen, the decorative column 100 surrounds a central loadbearing post 102 that is typically made from wood, with a gap of up to perhaps a couple of inches, or even more, between the inner surfaces of the vertical panel members 110, 120, 130, 140 and the central loadbearing post 102. As can be readily seen in FIG. 2, the first vertical panel member 110, the second vertical panel member 120, the third vertical panel member 130 and the fourth vertical panel member 140 are joined together one to the next at the four corners of the decorative column 100.

As can be readily seen in FIG. 3, each vertical panel member 110, 120, 130, 140 comprises a main body 150 having an interior face 152, an exterior face 154, a first side edge 156 and a second side edge 158. The first side edge 156 comprises a first notch 160 extending along the length of the first side edge 156 and defined by an exterior flange 162 and an interior flange 164. The exterior flange 162 terminates in a first slanted outer edge surface 163 that extends along the length of the first side edge 156 and that is oriented at a first acute angle with respect to the exterior face 154 of the main body 150. The second side edge 158 terminates in a second slanted outer edge surface 165 that extends along the length of the second side edge 158 and that is oriented at a second acute angle with respect to the exterior face 154 of the main body 150. The second slanted outer edge surface 165 leads to a transverse flange 166 extending along the length of the second side edge 158 and projecting towards the interior face 152 of the main body 150, with a second notch 168 disposed adjacent the transverse flange 166 extending along the length of the main body 150. The first acute angle and the second acute angle sum to ninety degrees (90°). The transverse flange 166 of one interlocking panel engages the first notch 160 of another interlocking panel. The interior flange 164 of one interlocking panel engages the second notch 168 of another interlocking panel.

In the first illustrated embodiment, the first notch 160, the exterior flange 162, the interior flange 164, and the first slanted outer edge surface 163 extend along the entire length of the first side edge 156. Further, the second slanted outer edge surface 165, the transverse flange 166, and the second notch 168, extend along the entire length of the second side edge 158. Also, the first acute angle and the second acute angle may be each about forty-five degrees (45°). For the sake of robustness, the thicknesses of the exterior flange 162, the interior flange 164, and the transverse flange 166 are approximately the same one as the others.

As described, a strong connection is provided to resist breaking and also resist angular movement.

FIG. 4 shows the decorative column 100 in a disassembled shipping configuration, which helps minimizes shipping volume and therefore minimizes shipping costs.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 5 through 8, which show a second illustrated embodiment of the column structure 200 according to the present invention. The second illustrated embodiment of the present invention, namely the column structure 200, comprises a first vertical panel member 210, a second vertical panel member 220, a third vertical panel member 230 and a fourth vertical panel member 240. The first vertical panel member 210 and the second vertical panel member 220 are together one piece and are preferably formed from one piece of PVC sheet, and are joined together at a folding vertex type joint “V12”. Similarly, the third vertical panel member 230 and the fourth vertical panel number 240 are together one piece and are preferably formed from one piece of PVC sheet, and are joined together at a folding vertex type joint “V34”. Each of the folding vertex type joint “V12 and the folding vertex type joint “V34” has a small amount of material PVC material thereat to facilitate the folding of one vertical panel member with respect to the other vertical panel member.

FIG. 5 shows the column structure 200 in an assembled configuration and FIG. 6 shows the column structure 200 with the fourth vertical panel member 240 fold back against the third vertical panel member 230, and thus in a shipping configuration.

In one aspect of the second illustrated embodiment column structure 200, the first vertical panel member 210, the second vertical panel member 220, the third vertical panel member 230 and the fourth vertical panel member 240 may be considered to be co-operating pair of panels for forming a decorative column for use in surrounding a vertical structural column. The co-operating pair of panels may comprise the first panel 210 and the second panel 220, or may comprise the third panel 230 and the second panel 240. Reference will be made to the first panel 210 and the second panel 220 for the sake of ease of reference.

The first panel 210 comprises a main body 211 having an interior face 212, an exterior face 213, a free side edge 214 and a joined side edge 215. The second panel 220 comprises a main body 221 having an interior face 222, an exterior face 223, a free side edge 224 and a joined side edge 225. The joined side edge 215 of the first panel 210 is oriented at a first acute angle with respect to the exterior face 213 of the main body 211. The joined side edge 215 of the second panel is oriented at a second acute angle with respect to the exterior face 223 of the main body 221. The first acute angle and the second acute angle may sum to ninety degrees (90°). The joined side edge 215 of the first panel 210 has a notch 215 n therein and the joined side edge 225 of the second panel 220 has a co-operating protrusion 215 p therein. More specifically, at each of the vertex type joints, the joined side edge 215 has a “V”-shaped notch 215 n (“V”-shaped in cross-section) therein and the joined side edge 225 has a cooperating “V”-shaped protrusion 215 p thereon (“V”-shaped in cross-section). The shape of the “V”-shaped notch 215 n and the “V”-shaped protrusion 215 p are substantially mirror images one of the other.

In use, when the first panel 210 and a second panel 220 are folded together in an installed in-use configuration, the protrusion 215 p is received in the notch 215 n to thereby preclude movement of the two vertical panel members 210,220 one with respect to the other.

Once the two vertical panel members have been folded together, the positioning of the “V”-shaped protrusion 252 p in the “V”-shaped notch 215 v precludes movement of the two vertical panel members one with respect to the other, thus helping to preclude cracking of the small amount of PVC material at the vertex type joint.

FIG. 8 shows a suitable adhesive being applied to the areas added around the “V”-shaped protrusion 252 p in the “V”-shaped notch 215 v during the assembly process.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 9 through 11, which show a third illustrated embodiment of the column structure 300 according to the present invention. The third illustrated embodiment of the present invention comprises a squaring apparatus 300, also called a squaring “L”, used in conjunction with the column structure according to the present invention in order to it keep the column structure square during installation. The squaring apparatus 300 for use in installing a decorative column surrounding a vertical structural column. The squaring apparatus 300 comprises a first squaring member 301 and a second squaring member 302. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first squaring member 301 and the second squaring member 302 are the same one as the other. Each squaring member 301,302 comprises a first leg 310 and a second leg 320. The first leg 310 has a first outer abutment surface 312 and a first inner abutment surface 314. The second leg has a second outer abutment surface 322 and a second inner abutment surface 324. The first outer abutment surface 312 and the second outer abutment surface 322 are oriented at ninety degrees (90°) to each other. The first inner abutment surface 314 and the second inner abutment surface 324 are oriented at ninety degrees (90°) to each other. The first outer abutment surface 312 and the second outer abutment surface 322 are decoratively formed. The squaring apparatus further comprises in each squaring member 301,302 a cylindrical groove 330 at the vertex between the first inner abutment surface 314 and the second inner abutment surface 324.

The squaring apparatus 300 may be used between the panels of the column structure and the vertical structural column that the panels surround, or may be used on the exterior of the panels of the column structure.

After the vertical panel members of the column structure are put in place at the bottom of the column structure, the first squaring member 301 and the second squaring member 302 of the squaring “L” 300 are secured in place using threaded fasteners (not specifically shown) extending through cooperating apertures 304 so as to engage the receiving surface 306.

As can be understood from the above description and from the accompanying drawings, the present invention provides a column structure that is versatile, that is cost-effective, that prevents uplift of the column structure during a strong wind, that is not subject to physical and aesthetic degradation due to weather, that is not subject to rotting, that has acceptable manufacturing costs, that has acceptable maintenance costs, that is readily manufacturable, wherein warpage and dimensional changes caused by moisture absorption generally do not occur, that is of the relatively light weight, that is cost effective, e that is aesthetically appealing, and that is aesthetically versatile, all of which features are unknown in the prior art.

Other variations of the above principles will be apparent to those who are knowledgeable in the field of the invention, and such variations are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Further, other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and manufacture of the combination infant mat and carrying bag, of the present invention, without departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising”, “having”, “including”, and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”, “for example”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Illustrated embodiments of this invention are described herein. Variations of those illustrated embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 

1. A decorative column for use in surrounding a vertical structural column, said decorative column comprising: a plurality of interlocking panels, each of said panels comprising: a main body having an interior face, an exterior face, a first side edge and a second side edge; wherein said first side edge comprises a first notch extending along the length of said first side edge and defined by an exterior flange and an interior flange, wherein said exterior flange terminates in a first slanted outer edge surface that is oriented at a first acute angle with respect to said exterior face of said main body; wherein said second side edge terminates in a second slanted outer edge surface extending along the length and that is oriented at a second acute angle with respect to said exterior face of said main body, and with said second slanted outer edge surface leading to a transverse flange extending along the length of said second side edge and projecting towards said interior face of said main body, with a second notch disposed adjacent said transverse flange extending along the length of said main body; wherein said first acute angle and said second acute angle sum to ninety degrees (90°); wherein said transverse flange of one interlocking panel engages said first notch of another interlocking panel; and, wherein said interior flange of one interlocking panel engages said second notch of another interlocking panel.
 2. The decorative column according to claim 1, wherein said first notch, said exterior flange, said interior flange, and said first slanted outer edge surface extend along the entire length of said first side edge.
 3. The decorative column according to claim 1, wherein said second slanted outer edge surface, said transverse flange, and second notch, extend along the entire length of said second side edge.
 4. The decorative column according to claim 1, wherein said first acute angle and said second acute angle are each about forty-five degrees (45°).
 5. The decorative column according to claim 1, wherein the thicknesses of said exterior flange, said interior flange, and said transverse flange are approximately the same one as the others.
 6. A squaring apparatus for use in installing a decorative column surrounding a vertical structural column, said squaring apparatus comprising: a first squaring member and a second squaring member, each squaring member comprising: a first leg having a first outer abutment surface and a first inner abutment surface; a second leg having a second outer abutment surface and a second inner abutment surface; where said first outer abutment surface and said second outer abutment surface are oriented at ninety degrees (90°) to each other; and, where said first inner abutment surface and said second inner abutment surface are oriented at ninety degrees (90°) to each other; wherein said first outer abutment surface and said second outer abutment surface are decoratively formed.
 7. The squaring apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a cylindrical groove at the vertex between said first inner abutment surface and said second inner abutment surface.
 8. A co-operating pair of panels for forming a decorative column for use in surrounding a vertical structural column, said co-operating pair of panels comprising: a first panel and a second panel; wherein each of said panels comprises a main body having an interior face, an exterior face, a free side edge and a joined side edge; wherein said joined side edge of said first panel is oriented at a first acute angle with respect to said exterior face of said main body; wherein said joined side edge of said second panel is oriented at a second acute angle with respect to said exterior face of said main body; wherein said joined side edge of said first panel has a notch therein and said joined side edge of said second panel has a co-operating protrusion therein; and, wherein, in use, when said first panel and a second panel are folded together in an installed in-use configuration, said protrusion is received in said notch to thereby preclude movement of the two vertical panel members one with respect to the other.
 9. The co-operating pair of panels according to claim 8, wherein said first acute angle and said second acute angle sum to ninety degrees (90°).
 10. The co-operating pair of panels according to claim 8, wherein said protrusion and said notch are each triangular in cross-section. 